ABUJA – The Inspector-General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, has directed immediate withdrawal of policemen attached to Very Important Personalities in Nigeria.
The withdrawal order which the IGP gave yesterday, at the monthly meeting with principal officers, Commissioners of Police and above, also included political and public office holders in the country.
“A directive for the withdrawal of all police officers deployed to VIPs, political and public office holders, with immediate effect, is hereby given,” Mr. Idris announced to the brass hats.
He explained that the directive became expedient in view of the current security challenges in the country, and the need to enhance effective and efficient policing of the country.
According to him, the directive included business entrepreneurs, multinational companies and corporate individuals.
He further announced that a memo to that effect would be forwarded to President Muhammadu Buhari for necessary approval.
The approval, Mr. Idris continued, would also serve as a guideline or template for the deployment of officers to VIPs, political and public office holders.
Moreso, the IGP announced that a Task Force had been constituted at the Force Headquarters to ensure compliance to the directive while command commissioners would replicate same at their various commands.
He however noted that organisations and individuals that required services of the police and are found worthy would be considered by the Special Protection Unit (SPU) of the force.
This he noted, would however be on application for re-validation through the state commissioners of police where they are resident.
“I am charging the commissioners of police with the responsibility of supervising such official deployment and thereby holding them accountable,” he stressed.
On illegal use of siren and spy number plate, Idris directed all holders to return them to the Force Transport Officer ( FTO) in Abuja to apply for re-validation.
He observed that criminals now take advantage of the situation to perpetrate heinous crimes across the country and warned individuals covering their vehicle number plate and using siren illegally to desist forthwith.
